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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n authority_n bishop_n church_n 2,934 5 4.3576 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53681 A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of present differences and divisions about things sacred and religious, written in the vindication of the principles and practise of some ministers and others. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1672 (1672) Wing O735; ESTC R13316 129,318 262

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body_n of_o the_o church_n promise_v it_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n whatever_o they_o do_v bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n and_o that_o whatever_o they_o do_v ask_v with_o a_o common_a consent_n shall_v be_v grant_v by_o the_o father_n in_o this_o charitable_a office_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o offend_a and_o pardon_v to_o the_o offendor_n the_o primitive_a church_n be_v always_o exercise_v and_o in_o conformity_n to_o this_o st._n paul_n ordain_v that_o brethren_n have_v civil_a suit_n one_o against_o another_o shall_v not_o go_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o infidel_n but_o that_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o judge_n the_o difference_n and_o this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o civil_a judgement_n as_o the_o other_o have_v the_o similitude_n of_o a_o criminal_a but_o be_v both_o so_o different_a from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o these_o be_v execute_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o judge_n who_o enforce_v submission_n so_o those_o only_o by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o guilty_a to_o receive_v they_o who_o refuse_v of_o they_o the_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n remain_v without_o execution_n and_o have_v no_o power_n but_o to_o foreshow_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o according_a unto_o his_o omnipotent_a good_a pleasure_n will_v follow_v in_o this_o life_n or_o the_o next_o and_o indeed_o the_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n do_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o charity_n in_o regard_n that_o it_o do_v only_o induee_v the_o guilty_a to_o submit_v and_o the_o church_n to_o judge_n with_o such_o sincerity_n that_o neither_o in_o the_o one_o any_o bad_a effect_n can_v have_v place_n nor_o just_a complaint_n in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o excess_n of_o charity_n in_o correct_v do_v make_v the_o corrector_n to_o feel_v great_a pain_n than_o the_o correct_v so_o that_o in_o the_o church_n no_o punishment_n be_v impose_v without_o lamentation_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o great_a of_o the_o better_a sort_n and_o 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consent_v and_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o court_n which_o law_n be_v not_o much_o observe_v in_o rome_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o bishop_n valentinian_n be_v in_o the_o city_n in_o the_o year_n 452._o do_v renew_v it_o and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n but_o a_o little_a after_o some_o part_n of_o the_o power_n take_v away_o be_v restore_v by_o the_o prince_n that_o follow_v so_o that_o justinian_n do_v establish_v unto_o they_o a_o court_n and_o audience_n and_o assign_v unto_o they_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n the_o ecclesiastical_a fault_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o divers_a voluntary_a jurisdiction_n also_o over_o the_o laity_n by_o these_o degree_n the_o charitable_a correction_n of_o christ_n do_v degenerate_a into_o domination_n and_o make_v christian_n lose_v their_o ancient_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v deny_v in_o word_n that_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v dominion_n as_o 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who_o cause_n they_o plead_v we_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o exclude_v from_o church_n communion_n with_o they_o by_o the_o unscriptural_a condition_n of_o it_o which_o they_o will_v force_v upon_o we_o the_o distance_n between_o we_o that_o ensue_v hereon_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o not_o we_o for_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v with_o they_o or_o any_o other_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v they_o think_v it_o meet_v that_o we_o shall_v revenge_v their_o fault_n upon_o ourselves_o by_o a_o voluntary_a abstinence_n from_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o edification_n do_v any_o man_n think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n leave_v any_o of_o his_o disciple_n unto_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v observe_v his_o command_n and_o institution_n without_o sin_n that_o we_o shall_v join_v in_o some_o society_n that_o in_o they_o we_o shall_v assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o they_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o look_v upon_o as_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n make_v so_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o command_n these_o thing_n say_v some_o you_o shall_v not_o do_v with_o we_o if_o you_o will_v do_v no_o more_o and_o if_o you_o do_v they_o among_o yourselves_o you_o be_v schismatic_n but_o this_o be_v a_o severity_n which_o we_o know_v we_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o at_o the_o last_o day_n we_o stand_v at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o will_v it_o may_v be_v be_v demand_v by_o what_o warrant_n or_o authority_n we_o do_v assemble_v ourselves_o in_o church_n society_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o who_o give_v we_o this_o authority_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o so_o that_o with_o they_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o of_o this_o difference_n we_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n nor_o do_v give_v occasion_n to_o any_o unblamable_a division_n by_o our_o principle_n or_o practice_n where_o the_o cause_n be_v find_v there_o the_o guilt_n remain_v this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n with_o we_o it_o be_v fond_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v absolute_o want_v a_o warranty_n or_o authority_n to_o obey_v jesus_n christ_n to_o observe_v his_o command_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o revealed_z will._n his_o command_n in_o his_o word_n his_o promise_n of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o holy_a obedience_n the_o assistance_n and_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o he_o afford_v gracious_o unto_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warranty_n and_o authority_n for_o what_o they_o do_v in_o express_a compliance_n with_o his_o command_n and_o more_o they_o will_v not_o plead_v a_o power_n for_o where_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o be_v his_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v no_o otherwise_o commit_v unto_o man_n but_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v obediential_o towards_o he_o and_o ministerial_o towards_o other_o and_o be_v church_n act_n consider_v more_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o obedidience_n that_o in_o they_o be_v perform_v unto_o christ_n which_o be_v their_o first_o and_o principal_a consideration_n it_o will_v quick_o be_v evident_a whence_o man_n may_v have_v authority_n for_o their_o performance_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v we_o direct_v in_o their_o order_n and_o manner_n beside_o the_o minister_n who_o go_v before_o the_o people_n in_o their_o assembly_n be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o their_o office_n and_o work_n according_a unto_o what_o christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o good_a way_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o go_v before_o they_o who_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o in_o their_o practice_n these_o thing_n have_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n require_v of_o they_o and_o a_o account_n concern_v they_o will_v he_o call_v they_o unto_o at_o the_o last_o day_n a_o dispensation_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o necessity_n be_v thence_o incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o who_o shall_v excuse_v they_o if_o they_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v for_o that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o diligent_o every_o one_o according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v out_o of_o question_n with_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o stewardship_n which_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o herein_o be_v they_o to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o we_o do_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n for_o sinner_n that_o be_v wilful_a neglecter_n of_o his_o command_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n also_o have_v testify_v beforehand_o that_o he_o who_o set_v his_o hand_n to_o this_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o again_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o alone_o who_o call_v they_o to_o this_o work_n can_v discharge_v they_o of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n or_o his_o providence_n and_o when_o man_n be_v invincible_o hinder_v as_o many_o be_v at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v their_o suffering_n but_o not_o their_o sin_n otherwise_o none_o can_v absolve_v they_o from_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o debt_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o undertake_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n some_o indeed_o suppose_v or_o pretend_v to_o suppose_v that_o a_o prohibition_n give_v they_o by_o superior_n forbid_v they_o to_o preach_v though_o not_o by_o nor_o according_a unto_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v discharge_v they_o from_o any_o obligation_n so_o to_o do_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o their_o duty_n it_o will_v do_v so_o no_o doubt_n have_v they_o receive_v no_o other_o command_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n nor_o from_o any_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o and_o from_o those_o superior_n by_o who_o they_o be_v forbid_v but_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o have_v so_o from_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a they_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o this_o discharge_n nor_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n can_v they_o now_o be_v servant_n of_o man_n but_o by_o who_o be_v they_o thus_o forbid_v to_o preach_v it_o will_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o church_n which_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o which_o original_o make_v itself_o a_o part_n in_o these_o difference_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o it_o will_v impose_v upon_o they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n in_o this_o case_n nor_o will_v their_o prohibition_n who_o apparent_o thereby_o revenge_v their_o own_o quarrel_n influence_n the_o conscience_n of_o they_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o for_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o what_o will_n or_o may_v take_v place_n but_o what_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n will_v or_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n they_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o preach_v that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v prohibit_v to_o preach_v in_o the_o legal_a public_a meet_v place_n or_o church_n and_o these_o place_n be_v in_o the_o power_n and_o care_n of_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v meet_v his_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o use_n shall_v be_v accept_v of_o or_o his_o prohibition_n observe_v or_o his_o penalty_n quiet_o undergo_v where_o a_o peaceable_a occasion_n be_v make_v use_n of_o contrary_n unto_o it_o as_o to_o other_o place_n minister_n be_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v to_o preach_v in_o they_o no_o such_o power_n be_v as_o yet_o assume_v or_o exercise_v only_o the_o manner_n of_o assembly_n for_o sacred_a worship_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o may_v assemble_v be_v regulate_v by_o law_n for_o secular_a end_n or_o civil_a security_n and_o that_o under_o express_a penalty_n incur_v on_o a_o contrary_a practice_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o minister_n can_v be_v concern_v in_o such_o law_n so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v exempt_v by_o they_o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n this_o they_o be_v command_v by_o he_o to_o do_v and_o other_o know_v the_o penalty_n from_o man_n under_o the_o danger_n whereof_o they_o must_v attend_v unto_o they_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o legal_a prohibition_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v extend_v be_v take_v from_o civil_a consideration_n alone_o namely_o of_o
a_o discourse_n concern_v evangelical_n love_n church-peace_n and_o unity_n with_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o present_a difference_n and_o division_n about_o thing_n sacred_a and_o religious_a write_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o minister_n and_o other_o speciosum_fw-la quidem_fw-la nomen_fw-la est_fw-la pacis_fw-la et_fw-la pulchra_fw-la opinio_fw-la unitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la quis_fw-la ambigat_fw-la eam_fw-la solam_fw-la unicam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pacem_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la hilar._n london_n print_v 1672._o a_o discourse_n concern_v christian_n love_n and_o peace_n chap._n i._n complaint_n of_o want_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n how_o to_o be_v manage_v and_o whence_o fruitless_a charge_v of_o gild_n on_o some_o why_o now_o remove_v and_o for_o who_o sake_n personal_a miscarriage_n of_o any_o not_o excuse_v those_o who_o manage_n the_o charge_n mention_v not_o agree_v the_o great_a difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n about_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v exercise_n more_o or_o less_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n for_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o their_o consequent_n they_o be_v look_v on_o to_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n some_o herein_o regard_v principal_o that_o disadvantageous_a influence_n which_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v into_o man_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n other_o that_o aspect_n which_o they_o fancy_v they_o to_o have_v upon_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o world_n hence_o in_o all_o age_n such_o division_n have_v cause_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n 15._o especial_o because_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n either_o of_o their_o nature_n or_o their_o tendency_n but_o general_o by_o all_o they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o evil_a by_o some_o for_o what_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o by_o other_o from_o the_o disadvantage_n which_o they_o bring_v as_o they_o suppose_v unto_o their_o secular_a interest_n hence_o there_o be_v among_o many_o great_a complaint_n of_o they_o and_o of_o that_o want_n of_o love_n which_o be_v look_v on_o as_o their_o cause_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o be_v in_o the_o liberty_n but_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n sober_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o will_v but_o can_v remedy_v for_o such_o complaint_n testify_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o evil_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o their_o cure_n can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o love_n unto_o the_o public_a good_a require_v of_o we_o and_o if_o in_o any_o case_n this_o may_v be_v allow_v it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o that_o of_o division_n about_o sacred_a thing_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o their_o cause_n and_o manner_n of_o mannagement_n among_o man_n for_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o edification_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v deep_o concern_v in_o they_o and_o high_o prejudice_v by_o they_o and_o in_o these_o thing_n all_o man_n have_v if_o not_o a_o equal_a yet_o such_o a_o special_a interest_n as_o none_o can_v forbid_v they_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o no_o man_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v judge_v as_o though_o he_o do_v transgress_v his_o rule_n or_o go_v beyond_o his_o line_n who_o sober_o express_v his_o sense_n of_o their_o evil_n and_o of_o the_o calamity_n wherewith_o they_o be_v attend_v yet_o must_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o much_o prudence_n and_o moderation_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a mannagement_n of_o such_o complaint_n for_o those_o which_o either_o consist_v in_o or_o be_v accompany_v with_o invective_n against_o the_o person_n or_o way_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o a_o rational_a discourse_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o division_n and_o their_o remedy_n do_v not_o only_o open_a inflame_v and_o irritate_fw-la former_a wound_n but_o prove_v matter_n of_o new_a contention_n and_o strife_n to_o their_o great_a increase_n beside_o in_o the_o manifold_a division_n and_o difference_n of_o this_o nature_n among_o we_o all_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v under_o a_o adherence_n unto_o some_o one_o party_n or_o other_o herein_o every_o man_n stand_v at_o the_o same_o distance_n from_o other_o as_o they_o do_v for_o he_o now_o all_o complaint_n of_o this_o kind_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o tacit_n justification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v make_v for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o profligate_v as_o to_o judge_v himself_o and_o the_o way_n of_o religious_a worship_n wherein_o he_o be_v engage_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o blaneable_a division_n among_o christian_n and_o yet_o continue_v therein_o reflection_n therefore_o of_o gild_n upon_o other_o they_o be_v usual_o replenish_v withal_o but_o if_o those_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o evident_a light_n and_o unavoidable_a conviction_n because_o they_o proceed_v from_o person_n suppose_v not_o indifferent_a yea_o culpable_a in_o this_o very_a matter_n more_o of_o less_o themselves_o by_o they_o who_o they_o reflect_v upon_o they_o be_v general_o turn_v into_o occasion_n of_o new_a exasperation_n and_o contest_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o although_o all_o good_a man_n do_v on_o all_o occasion_n bewail_v the_o want_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o condescension_n that_o be_v find_v among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o division_n which_o follow_v thereon_o yet_o no_o comfortable_a nor_o advantageous_a effect_n do_v thence_o ensue_v yea_o not_o only_o be_v all_o expectation_n of_o that_o bless_a fruit_n which_o a_o general_a serious_a consent_n unto_o such_o complaint_n may_v produce_v as_o yet_o utter_o frustrate_v but_o the_o small_a remainder_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n among_o we_o be_v hazard_v and_o impair_v by_o mutual_a charge_n of_o the_o want_n and_o loss_n of_o they_o on_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o each_o other_o we_o have_v therefore_o need_v of_o no_o small_a watchfulness_n and_o care_n least_o in_o this_o matter_n it_o fall_v out_o with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o israelite_n of_o old_a 43._o in_o another_o occasion_n for_o when_o they_o have_v by_o a_o sinful_a sedition_n cast_v out_o david_n from_o among_o they_o and_o from_o reign_v over_o they_o after_o a_o little_a while_n see_v their_o folly_n and_o iniquity_n they_o assemble_v together_o with_o one_o consent_n to_o bring_v he_o home_o again_o but_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o this_o purpose_n fall_v into_o a_o dispute_n about_o which_o of_o the_o tribe_n have_v the_o great_a interest_n in_o he_o they_o not_o only_o desist_v from_o their_o first_o design_n but_o fall_v into_o another_o distemper_n of_o no_o less_o dangerous_a importance_n then_o what_o they_o be_v new_o deliver_v from_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o sinful_a decay_n of_o love_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o nation_n if_o not_o a_o violent_a cast_n of_o it_o out_o by_o such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n as_o wherewith_o it_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a lamentation_n if_o upon_o the_o bloom_a of_o a_o design_n for_o its_o recovery_n and_o reduction_n with_o all_o its_o train_n as_o forbearance_n condescension_n gentleness_n and_o peace_n if_o any_o such_o design_n there_o be_v by_o contest_v about_o the_o occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o absence_n with_o too_o much_o seriousness_n in_o our_o own_o vindication_n and_o plea_n of_o a_o special_a interest_n in_o it_o above_o other_o new_a distemper_n shall_v be_v raise_v hazard_v its_o everlasting_a exclusion_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n we_o have_v hitherto_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n unto_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o desire_n as_o to_o walk_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o to_o exercise_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n administer_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o this_o alone_a we_o have_v thus_o far_o oppose_v unto_o all_o those_o censure_n and_o reproach_n which_o we_o have_v undergo_v to_o the_o contrary_a so_o therewithal_o have_v we_o support_v ourselves_o under_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v also_o suffer_v farther_o to_o declare_v our_o thought_n and_o principle_n in_o and_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v evidence_v and_o testify_v unto_o by_o our_o practice_n we_o have_v hitherto_o forbear_v lest_o the_o most_o moderate_a claim_n of_o a_o especial_a interest_n in_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o love_n of_o christian_n shall_v occasion_v new_a contest_v and_o trouble_v unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o we_o have_v observe_v that_o sometime_o a_o overhasty_a endeavour_n to_o
a_o continual_a sorrow_n and_o trouble_n unto_o we_o so_o we_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v any_o blame_n where_o we_o be_v find_v defective_a in_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o unto_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o strict_a communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o the_o gospel_n do_v require_v or_o whereof_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n be_v capable_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n until_o this_o can_v be_v attain_v it_o be_v our_o desire_n to_o manage_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o own_o light_n and_o apprehension_n without_o anger_n bitterness_n clamour_n evil_a speak_v or_o any_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v irregular_a in_o ourselves_o or_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n unto_o other_o our_o prayer_n be_v also_o continual_o for_o the_o spiritual_a prosperity_n of_o this_o church_n for_o its_o increase_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o especial_o for_o the_o heal_n of_o all_o breach_n that_o be_v among_o they_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o throughout_o the_o world_n and_o be_v we_o not_o satisfy_v that_o the_o principle_n which_o we_o own_o about_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o be_v singular_o suit_v to_o the_o furtherance_n and_o preservation_n of_o union_n and_o due_a order_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o be_v excite_v by_o any_o unto_o their_o renunciation_n but_o our_o main_a design_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o both_o they_o and_o we_o with_o they_o may_v enjoy_v that_o peace_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v bequeath_v unto_o we_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o we_o and_o these_o thing_n we_o mention_v neither_o to_o boast_v of_o nor_o yet_o to_o justify_v ourselves_o but_o only_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v our_o conviction_n concern_v our_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o may_v there_o any_o sedate_n peaceable_a unprejudicate_a endeavour_n be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v for_o the_o allay_n of_o all_o occasional_a distemper_n and_o the_o compose_n of_o all_o difference_n among_o they_o who_o belong_v to_o this_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o at_o least_o in_o these_o nation_n not_o only_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n but_o also_o agree_v and_o consent_n in_o all_o way_n and_o act_n of_o religious_a communion_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o manifest_v that_o no_o rigid_a adherence_n unto_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o conception_n of_o our_o own_o in_o thing_n wherein_o the_o gospel_n allow_v a_o condescension_n and_o forbearance_n no_o delight_n in_o singularity_n no_o prejudice_n against_o person_n or_o thing_n shall_v obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o promotion_n of_o it_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n and_o ability_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o own_v it_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o follow_v and_o seek_v after_o peace_n unity_n consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o holy_a worship_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o this_o church_n or_o those_o who_o by_o a_o regular_a profession_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v and_o will_v with_o all_o readiness_n and_o alacrity_n renounce_v every_o principle_n or_o practice_n that_o be_v either_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o communion_n or_o direct_o or_o indirect_o be_v in_o its_o self_n obstructive_a of_o it_o second_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o its_o outward_a profession_n as_o constitutive_a of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o denomination_n and_o this_o be_v the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a whereunto_o they_o all_o universal_o belong_v who_o profess_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o under_o the_o limitation_n that_o shall_v be_v mention_v afterward_o and_o this_o be_v the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o profession_n and_o thereby_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o world_n which_o lie_v in_o evil_a and_o be_v absolute_o under_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o so_o in_o common_a use_n the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v contradistinguish_v yet_o on_o other_o account_v many_o who_o belong_v unto_o this_o church_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o profession_n that_o they_o make_v may_v just_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o world_n or_o of_o it_o so_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n call_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o profess_v church_n in_o his_o time_n 25._o the_o world_n say_v he_o hate_v i_o and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o he_o thereby_o intend_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n beside_o that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n evince_v it_o he_o put_v it_o out_o of_o question_n by_o the_o testimony_n which_o he_o produce_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o assertion_n concern_v their_o unjust_a and_o causeless_a hatred_n namely_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o law_n they_o have_v hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o psalm_n 19_o be_v part_n of_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n only_o now_o he_o thus_o term_v they_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o especial_o their_o ruler_n although_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o according_a to_o his_o word_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n yet_o be_v not_o only_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a in_o their_o life_n but_o also_o persecute_v he_o and_o his_o disciple_n in_o who_o the_o power_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v beyond_o what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o hence_o a_o general_n rule_n be_v establish_v that_o what_o profession_n soever_o any_o man_n do_v make_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o what_o church_n soever_o they_o do_v or_o may_v be_v think_v to_o belong_v yet_o if_o they_o be_v wicked_a or_o ungodly_a in_o their_o life_n and_o persecuter_n of_o such_o as_o be_v better_a than_o themselves_o they_o be_v real_o of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o will_v perish_v without_o repentance_n these_o be_v they_o who_o receive_v on_o they_o a_o form_n or_o delineation_n of_o godliness_n do_v yet_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o from_o who_o we_o be_v command_v to_o turn_v away_o but_o yet_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o they_o who_o in_o any_o way_n or_o manner_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n with_o subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o that_o infidel_n world_n by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v total_o reject_v or_o to_o who_o it_o be_v never_o tender_v in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n as_o comprehensive_a of_o all_o who_o throughout_o the_o world_n outward_o own_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o that_o love_n union_n and_o communion_n among_o they_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o or_o be_v require_v of_o they_o for_o in_o the_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n consist_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n under_o this_o consideration_n that_o be_v as_o catholic_n and_o visible_o profess_v and_o in_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereunto_o also_o be_v require_v as_o the_o principle_n animate_v that_o communion_n and_o render_v it_o acceptable_a mutual_a love_n with_o its_o occasional_a exercise_n as_o a_o fruit_n of_o that_o love_n which_o we_o have_v unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o common_a profession_n and_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o who_o open_o reject_v the_o principal_a fundamental_o of_o christian_a religion_n as_o deny_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n with_o the_o use_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n as_o also_o the_o personal_a subsistence_n and_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o there_o be_v no_o know_a community_n of_o these_o professor_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o own_o so_o much_o of_o the_o truth_n concern_v one_o lord_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o guide_v they_o unto_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o hereon_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o among_o they_o all_o there_o be_v some_o real_o belong_v to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n election_n who_o by_o the_o mean_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v shall_v at_o length_n be_v bring_v unto_o everlasting_a glory_n for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n will_v maintain_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o place_n or_o among_o any_o people_n among_o who_o there_o be_v none_o who_o he_o have_v design_v to_o bring_v
empire_n under_o himself_o by_o their_o common_a consent_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o the_o original_a division_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o the_o revolution_n that_o happen_v afterward_o among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v whole_o inconcerned_a in_o this_o new_a church_n sovereignty_n which_o be_v erect_v in_o the_o western_a province_n of_o that_o empire_n so_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n consummate_v for_o whereas_o the_o pope_n to_o secure_v his_o new_a acquisition_n endeavour_v to_o empale_v the_o title_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n unto_o those_o christian_n which_o profess_a obedience_n unto_o himself_o unto_o a_o exclusion_n of_o a_o great_a number_n there_o ensue_v such_o a_o confusion_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v almost_o utter_o lose_v concern_v these_o several_a sort_n of_o conceit_a particular_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o some_o of_o they_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o kind_n have_v no_o institution_n in_o nor_o warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v prudential_n contrivance_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o form_v which_o they_o effect_v by_o various_a degree_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o tend_v unto_o the_o increase_n of_o concord_n and_o order_n among_o christian_n whether_o real_o and_o effectual_o they_o have_v attain_v that_o end_n the_o event_n have_v long_o since_o manifest_v and_o it_o will_v be_v one_o day_n acknowledge_v that_o no_o religious_a union_n or_o order_n among_o christian_n will_v be_v last_v and_o of_o spiritual_a use_n or_o advantage_n unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v appoint_v and_o design_v for_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n the_o truth_n be_v the_o mutual_a intestine_a difference_n and_o contest_v among_o they_o who_o first_o possess_v the_o rule_n of_o such_o church_n about_o their_o dignity_n pre-eminences_a privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o first_o apparent_o let_v in_o pride_n ambition_n revenge_n and_o hatred_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o church-guide_n lose_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the●r_a successor_n more_o and_o more_o into_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o continue_v we_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o its_o retrival_v how_o far_o any_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n unto_o communion_n with_o these_o church_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v such_o and_o as_o such_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o rule_n and_o administration_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o by_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v what_o respect_v we_o have_v unto_o they_o or_o what_o duty_n we_o may_v owe_v they_o as_o they_o may_v in_o any_o place_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n but_o whereas_o in_o their_o original_a and_o rise_v they_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o prudential_n contrivance_n of_o some_o man_n who_o unquestionable_o may_v be_v various_o influence_v by_o corrupt_a pre●ud●ces_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o find_n out_o and_o mannagement_n of_o their_o invention_n what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o wherein_o such_o communion_n may_v consist_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v declare_v for_o the_o notion_n that_o the_o church-communion_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o minister_n consist_v only_o in_o a_o quiet_a subjection_n unto_o they_o who_o by_o any_o mean_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o claim_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v they_o be_v fond_a and_o impious_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o whole_o deny_v that_o the_o mistake_v or_o disorder_n of_o christian_n in_o comply_v with_o or_o join_v themselves_o unto_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o warrantable_a institution_n aught_o to_o be_v any_o cause_n of_o the_o diminish_n of_o our_o love_n towards_o they_o or_o of_o withdraw_v it_o from_o they_o for_o notwithstanding_o their_o error_n and_o wander_n from_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o do_v or_o may_v continue_v interest_v in_o all_o that_o love_n which_o be_v due_a from_o we_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o double_a account_n before_o insist_v on_o for_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o person_n bear_v of_o god_n unite_v unto_o christ_n make_v partaker_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n mystical_a which_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a object_n of_o all_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n the_o error_n wherewith_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v overtake_v may_v befall_v any_o person_n under_o those_o qualification_n the_o admittance_n of_o they_o though_o culpable_a be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptation_n with_o god_n and_o they_o may_v also_o by_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n evince_n themselves_o to_o be_v profess_v subject_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n u●sibly_o profess_v under_o which_o notion_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n commend_v unto_o our_o love_n and_o it_o be_v the_o fond_a imagination_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n want_v love_n towards_o all_o those_o with_o who_o we_o can_v join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o that_o there_o need_v be_v any_o schism_n between_o they_o and_o we_o on_o the_o sole_a account_n thereof_o take_v schism_n in_o the_o common_a receive_v notion_n of_o it_o if_o we_o bear_v unkindness_n towards_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n if_o we_o desire_v or_o seek_v their_o hurt_n if_o we_o persecute_v they_o or_o put_v they_o to_o trouble_v in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o profession_n if_o we_o pray_v not_o for_o they_o if_o we_o pity_v they_o not_o in_o all_o their_o temptation_n error_n or_o suffering_n if_o we_o say_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o when_o naked_a be_v thou_o clothe_v and_o when_o hungry_a be_v thou_o feed_v but_o relieve_v they_o not_o according_a unto_o our_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n if_o we_o have_v a_o aversation_n to_o their_o person_n or_o judge_v they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o cast_v themselves_o open_o and_o visible_o under_o the_o sentence_n of_o natural_a reason_n or_o scripture-rule_n we_o may_v be_v just_o think_v to_o fail_v in_o our_o love_n towards_o they_o but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v between_o they_o and_o we_o about_o church-constitution_n or_o order_n that_o ought_v be_v a_o cause_n or_o can_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o any_o want_n of_o love_n on_o our_o part_n there_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a practice_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v which_o in_o itself_o and_o without_o other_o avoidable_a evil_n need_v not_o on_o either_o side_n to_o be_v schismatical_a if_o by_o censure_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o power_n such_o church_n or_o person_n will_v force_v we_o to_o submit_v unto_o or_o comply_v with_o such_o thing_n or_o way_n in_o religious_a worship_n as_o be_v contrary_a unto_o our_o light_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v change_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o as_o for_o those_o particular_a church_n which_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o person_n assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o have_v only_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v full_a 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they_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o another_o way_n much_o more_o may_v any_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n if_o they_o impose_v on_o they_o their_o corruption_n error_n fail_n and_o mistake_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n for_o hereby_o they_o direct_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v void_a of_o all_o authority_n from_o he_o in_o what_o they_o so_o do_v or_o impose_v and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o that_o any_o man_n withdraw_v of_o themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o way_n of_o reformation_n for_o their_o own_o good_a in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n shall_v infer_v in_o they_o a_o want_n of_o love_n and_o peaceableness_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n that_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o divide_v from_o christ_n and_o to_o cast_v out_o all_o true_a christian_a love_n embrace_v a_o cloud_n of_o slothful_a negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o we_o be_v neither_o the_o author_n nor_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o own_o love_n he_o who_o implant_v and_o work_v it_o in_o we_o have_v give_v we_o rule_n how_o it_o must_v be_v exercise_v and_o that_o on_o all_o emergency_n it_o may_v work_v as_o regular_o by_o sharp_a cut_a rebuke_n as_o by_o the_o most_o silken_a and_o compliant_a expression_n by_o manifest_v a_o aversation_n from_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a as_o by_o embrace_v and_o approve_v of_o what_o be_v good_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o word_n and_o when_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o we_o leave_v that_o rule_n and_o go_v off_o from_o any_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v immediate_o unto_o god_n it_o be_v will_n pride_n and_o self-conceit_n in_o we_o and_o not_o love_n and_o among_o all_o the_o exhortation_n that_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o unity_n and_o concord_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o we_o shall_v agree_v or_o comply_v with_o any_o in_o their_o sin_n or_o evil_a practice_n but_o as_o we_o be_v command_v in_o ourselves_o to_o obtain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n so_o be_v we_o forbid_v a_o participation_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n and_o all_o fellowship_n with_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n our_o love_n towards_o such_o church_n be_v to_o work_v by_o pity_n compassion_n prayer_n instruction_n which_o be_v due_a mean_n for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n not_o by_o consent_n unto_o they_o or_o communion_n with_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v harden_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v subvert_v for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o authority_n all_o that_o we_o have_v or_o may_v pretend_v to_o have_v unto_o any_o church_n be_v of_o no_o value_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o take_v into_o consideration_n any_o term_n of_o communion_n who_o foundation_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o a_o regard_n thereunto_o moreover_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v there_o be_v no_o such_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o assembly_n as_o to_o institute_v worship_n be_v reject_v by_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o until_o they_o be_v utter_o also_o as_o it_o be_v extirpate_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o be_v many_o of_o the_o primitive_a plantation_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o secret_a hidden_a one_o among_o they_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n grace_n for_o we_o do_v judge_v that_o wherever_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v call_v upon_o there_o be_v salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v however_o the_o way_n of_o it_o may_v be_v obstruct_v unto_o the_o most_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o error_n they_o may_v also_o retain_v that_o profession_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o infidel_n world_n in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v still_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o on_o these_o account_n be_v our_o love_n to_o be_v continue_v unto_o they_o some_o kind_n of_o communion_n we_o may_v hold_v with_o they_o that_o that_o be_v of_o no_o institute_v or_o particular_a church_n or_o who_o church-state_n be_v reject_v even_o as_o a_o person_n excommunicate_v be_v to_o be_v admonish_v as_o a_o brother_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o communion_n we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v with_o some_o true_a church_n instance_n whereof_o shall_v be_v give_v afterward_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o necessity_n that_o any_o shall_v deny_v all_o they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v their_o communion_n for_o such_o as_o be_v so_o may_v require_v such_o thing_n thereunto_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o accept_v of_o or_o submit_v unto_o what_o assembly_n of_o christian_n we_o behold_v visible_o worship_v god_n in_o christ_n we_o take_v for_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o when_o we_o judge_v of_o our_o own_o communion_n with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o this_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a church_n or_o no_o as_o though_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o practice_n do_v depend_v sole_o thereon_o for_o as_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o be_v of_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o unless_o they_o be_v open_o judge_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n persist_v in_o so_o a_o determination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o constitution_n or_o that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n will_v not_o present_o resolve_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v but_o in_o such_o a_o càse_n two_o thing_n be_v by_o we_o principal_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o nothing_o sinful_a in_o itself_o or_o unto_o we_o be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n 2._o that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o church_n obtain_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o our_o conjunction_n with_o they_o which_o be_v our_o edification_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v discourse_v comprise_v our_o thought_n concern_v those_o society_n of_o christian_n who_o degeneracy_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o institution_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a whilst_o there_o be_v any_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n any_o subjection_n of_o soul_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n avow_v or_o any_o expectation_n of_o help_n from_o he_o continue_v among_o they_o we_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v in_o all_o of_o they_o at_o least_o some_o few_o name_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v save_v eternal_o for_o as_o a_o relation_n unto_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n to_o give_v himself_o up_o unto_o as_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o edification_n and_o salvation_n so_o where_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v through_o invincible_a outward_a impediment_n or_o be_v omit_v through_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n or_o be_v on_o just_a cause_n refuse_v where_o opportunity_n make_v a_o tender_a of_o it_o or_o where_o the_o be_v and_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o apostasy_n of_o those_o church_n whereunto_o any_o person_n do_v belong_v the_o utter_a want_n of_o it_o and_o that_o always_o be_v not_o such_o as_o necessary_o infer_v the_o eternal_a loss_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o suffer_v under_o it_o other_o church_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o evident_o guilty_a of_o the_o enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n before_o discourse_v of_o these_o all_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v hope_n that_o his_o promise_a presence_n be_v with_o they_o in_o their_o assembly_n answerable_a hereunto_o be_v our_o judgement_n concern_v their_o officer_n or_o ruler_n and_o all_o their_o sacred_a administration_n it_o become_v we_o to_o think_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o one_o have_v authority_n from_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o other_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unwarrantable_a rashness_n and_o presumption_n yea_o a_o evident_a fruit_n of_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o love_n or_o secular_a private_a interest_n
when_o upon_o lesser_a difference_n man_n judge_v church_n to_o be_v no_o true_a church_n and_o their_o minister_n to_o be_v no_o true_a minister_n and_o consequent_o all_o their_o administration_n to_o be_v invalid_a so_o do_v some_o judge_n of_o church_n because_o they_o have_v 〈◊〉_d bishop_n and_o so_o do_v more_o of_o other_o because_o they_o have_v none_o but_o the_o validity_n or_o invalidity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o he_o unto_o all_o his_o disciple_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o determination_n of_o thing_n high_o disputable_a in_o their_o notion_n and_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o true_a gospel-obedience_n in_o their_o practice_n and_o we_o be_v undue_o charge_v with_o other_o apprehension_n god_n forbid_v that_o any_o such_o thought_n shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o our_o heort_n as_o though_o the_o church_n constitute_v in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o our_o light_n and_o the_o rule_n we_o apprehend_v appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n shall_v be_v the_o only_a true_a church_n in_o the_o world_n they_o do_v but_o out_o of_o design_n endeavour_v to_o expose_v we_o to_o popular_a envy_n and_o hatred_n who_o invent_v and_o publish_v such_o thing_n concern_v we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o but_o whatever_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o concern_v we_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o take_v from_o thence_o any_o such_o provocation_n as_o may_v corrupt_v our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o nor_o to_o relieve_v ourselves_o by_o return_v the_o like_a censure_n unto_o they_o as_o we_o receive_v from_o they_o scripture_n rule_n and_o duty_n must_v in_o these_o matter_n regulate_v our_o thought_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o whilst_o we_o judge_v other_o to_o be_v true_a church_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v much_o move_v with_o their_o judgement_n that_o we_o be_v none_o because_o we_o differ_v from_o they_o we_o stand_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o word_n we_o can_v but_o judge_v indeed_o that_o many_o church_n have_v miss_v and_o do_v miss_v in_o some_o thing_n the_o precise_a rule_n of_o their_o due_a constitution_n and_o walk_v that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v add_v useless_a superfluous_a rite_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o that_o there_o be_v in_o many_o of_o they_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n or_o a_o carnal_a rule_n erect_v in_o the_o stead_n of_o it_o that_o error_n in_o doctrine_n of_o importance_n and_o danger_n be_v prevalent_a in_o sundry_a of_o they_o that_o their_o ruler_n be_v much_o influence_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o bitterness_n and_o envy_n against_o such_o as_o plead_v for_o reformation_n beyond_o their_o measure_n or_o interest_n yet_o that_o hereupon_o they_o shall_v all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o immediate_o forfeit_v their_o church-state_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o lawful_a minister_n nor_o acceptable_a sacred_a administration_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o false_a imagination_n and_o such_o as_o be_v never_o by_o we_o entertain_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o those_o church_n in_o europe_n which_o be_v common_o call_v reform_v we_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n of_o they_o the_o same_o love_n towards_o they_o the_o same_o readiness_n for_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o we_o will_v desire_v any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v bear_v or_o exercise_v towards_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v find_v negligent_a in_o any_o office_n of_o love_n towards_o they_o or_o any_o of_o their_o member_n in_o compassion_n help_n or_o assistance_n or_o such_o supply_n in_o outward_a or_o inward_a thing_n as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n or_o ability_n for_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o bear_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o as_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o as_o our_o shame_n and_o herein_o we_o desire_v to_o fulfil_v the_o royal_a law_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o the_o same_o we_o say_v concern_v all_o the_o church_n in_o england_n of_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o constitution_n with_o they_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o some_o say_v that_o parochial_a church_n be_v under_o a_o force_n and_o power_n whereby_o they_o be_v enjoin_v the_o practice_n of_o sundry_a thing_n and_o forbid_v the_o performance_n of_o other_o wherein_o the_o compliance_n of_o some_o be_v not_o over-voluntary_a nor_o please_v to_o themselves_o neither_o be_v there_o a_o nullity_n or_o invalidity_n in_o the_o ordinance_n administer_v in_o they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o some_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a unto_o themselves_o by_o their_o unbelief_n and_o this_o be_v the_o paganize_a of_o england_n which_o some_o of_o we_o be_v traduce_v for_o we_o believe_v that_o among_o the_o visible_a professor_n in_o this_o nation_n there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o number_n of_o sincere_a believer_n as_o in_o any_o nation_n under_o heaven_n so_o that_o in_o it_o be_v treasure_v up_o a_o considerable_a portion_n of_o the_o invisible_a mystical_a church_n of_o christ._n we_o believe_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o nation_n be_v by_o their_o profession_n constitute_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n and_o we_o judge_v not_o we_o condemn_v not_o those_o who_o walk_v according_o to_o their_o light_n and_o understanding_n in_o particularity_n do_v practice_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v comply_v withal_o for_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o fail_v wherein_o they_o miss_v or_o out_o go_v the_o rule_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n absolute_o destructive_a of_o their_o particular_a church-state_n and_o what_o more_o can_v reasonable_o be_v require_v of_o we_o or_o expect_v from_o we_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o distance_n that_o do_v remain_v between_o we_o &_o they_o shall_v be_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o for_o our_o duty_n in_o particular_a presential_a communion_n at_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o same_o individual_a ordinance_n with_o such_o church_n as_o be_v remote_a from_o we_o in_o asia_n or_o africa_n we_o shall_v we_o hope_v be_v direct_v to_o determine_v aright_o concern_v it_o when_o we_o be_v call_v thereunto_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o be_v our_o thought_n concern_v they_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v to_o love_v they_o as_o subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v all_o needful_a supply_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o above_z that_o god_n will_v send_v out_o his_o light_n and_o truth_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o their_o worship_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o help_v they_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o we_o towards_o they_o those_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v in_o who_o be_v within_o the_o line_n of_o our_o ordinary_a communication_n among_o who_o we_o walk_v and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n unto_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v in_o the_o liberty_n and_o power_n of_o every_o believer_n to_o join_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o no_o more_o be_v require_v hereunto_o in_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o church_n among_o ourselves_o but_o that_o a_o man_n remove_v his_o habitation_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o desire_n herein_o and_o this_o choice_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o judgement_n how_o a_o man_n may_v best_o improve_v and_o promote_v his_o own_o edification_n we_o see_v not_o therefore_o how_o any_o man_n with_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o sobriety_n or_o modesty_n can_v charge_v we_o with_o the_o want_n of_o a_o esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n for_o we_o embrace_v it_o on_o all_o the_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o do_v know_v within_o what_o narrow_a bound_n the_o charity_n and_o unity_n of_o some_o be_v confine_v who_o yet_o advantage_n themselves_o by_o a_o noise_n of_o their_o pretence_n but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o disturb_v break_v or_o dissent_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n either_o as_o it_o be_v invisible_a in_o its_o internal_a form_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o as_o visible_o profess_v necessary_a fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v sufficient_o evince_v and_o the_o principle_n lay_v down_o concern_v particular_a church_n congregation_n assembly_n or_o parish_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v detect_v by_o any_o to_o spring_v from_o want_n of_o love_n or_o to_o be_v obstructive_a of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o have_v therefore_o thus_o brief_o give_v some_o account_n of_o what_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o relation_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o
god_n we_o can_v with_o confidence_n and_o much_o assurance_n of_o mind_n own_o as_o dear_a a_o valuation_n of_o love_n unity_n and_o peaceableness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o sort_n of_o professor_n whatever_o and_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o our_o principle_n do_v as_o much_o tend_v and_o and_o conduce_v unto_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o as_o any_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v propose_v unto_o that_o end_n for_o we_o either_o do_v or_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o embrace_v every_o thing_n or_o way_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v or_o do_v bless_v thereunto_o we_o doubt_v not_o as_o have_v be_v before_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o fail_n and_o sinful_a miscarriage_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o professor_n who_o separate_v or_o be_v rather_o drive_v from_o the_o present_a public_a worship_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o in_o they_o all_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o under_o the_o various_a temptation_n and_o provocation_n they_o have_v be_v expose_v unto_o have_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o a_o unpleasant_a relish_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n that_o irregular_a prejudices_fw-la shall_v be_v find_v act_v themselves_o in_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v be_v so_o among_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o we_o hope_v that_o where_o there_o be_v or_o have_v be_v any_o guilt_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o the_o reproof_n which_o have_v be_v public_o give_v unto_o it_o with_o what_o spirit_n or_o intention_n soever_o manage_v may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o amendment_n of_o they_o who_o have_v offend_v but_o for_o our_o own_o part_n we_o must_v bear_v this_o testimony_n unto_o our_o sincerity_n that_o we_o not_o only_o condemn_v but_o abhor_v all_o evil_a surmise_n among_o professor_n all_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n all_o causeless_a aversation_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n all_o strife_n wrath_n anger_n and_o debate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o the_o concern_v of_o religious_a worship_n much_o more_o do_v we_o cast_v out_o all_o thought_n of_o judge_a man_n eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n with_o respect_n unto_o such_o difference_n nor_o do_v we_o nor_o dare_v we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o real_o opposite_a to_o love_v peace_n unity_n or_o concord_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o excuse_v any_o of_o those_o extravagancy_n and_o intemperate_a heat_n in_o word_n or_o otherwise_o which_o some_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o until_o their_o repentance_n must_v bear_v their_o own_o judgement_n so_o we_o will_v not_o make_v a_o recharge_v on_o other_o who_o differ_v in_o persuasion_n from_o we_o of_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a crime_n nor_o indeed_o need_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o principle_n and_o practice_n contrary_a unto_o all_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n be_v write_v as_o with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o we_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o our_o lot_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o appearance_n of_o such_o thing_n in_o any_o of_o we_o will_v be_v esteem_v a_o scandalous_a crime_n which_o other_o that_o condemn_v they_o in_o we_o indulg_v in_o themselves_o without_o the_o least_o check_n or_o control_v the_o law_n of_o this_o condition_n be_v put_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o profession_n which_o we_o do_v avow_v only_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n against_o we_o by_o their_o plea_n for_o love_n unity_n and_o concord_n as_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v for_o peace_n but_o that_o we_o make_v ourselves_o ready_a for_o war_n can_v they_o convince_v we_o that_o we_o come_v behind_o they_o in_o the_o valuation_n and_o seck_v after_o these_o thing_n by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_v bless_v by_o christ_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o shall_v judge_v ourselves_o with_o a_o severity_n at_o least_o commensurate_a to_o the_o utmost_a they_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v against_o we_o whilst_o free_a from_o malice_n and_o evil_a design_n only_o we_o must_v add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a measure_n of_o love_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o accession_n that_o man_n can_v make_v towards_o they_o who_o depart_v from_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v so_o those_o must_v be_v judge_v to_o abound_v most_o with_o it_o who_o can_v most_o comply_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o discourse_n with_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o their_o author_n do_v proceed_v from_o sincerity_n in_o they_o only_o as_o we_o fear_v somewhat_o leaven_v with_o a_o apprehension_n that_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v according_a unto_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o other_o man_n perhaps_o no_o less_o sincere_a and_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n than_o themselves_o though_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v unhappy_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o the_o reproof_n which_o some_o do_v manage_v on_o the_o foundation_n mention_v and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o mannagement_n many_o do_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o appearance_n if_o not_o evidence_n of_o evil_a surmise_n ungrounded_a temerarious_a censure_n of_o self-conceit_n and_o elation_n of_o mind_n of_o hard_a thought_n of_o undue_a charge_n on_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o other_o and_o in_o all_o of_o a_o want_n of_o real_a love_n condescension_n and_o compassion_n as_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a and_o to_o be_v real_o find_v among_o professor_n blame_v by_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n both_o as_o charge_v and_o recharge_v have_v a_o double_a appearance_n those_o from_o who_o they_o proceed_v look_v on_o they_o in_o the_o light_n of_o that_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n which_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o to_o themselves_o wherein_o they_o seem_v amiable_a useful_a and_o free_a from_o all_o offence_n whereas_o other_o that_o be_v concern_v view_v of_o they_o in_o the_o disorder_a reflection_n of_o their_o opposition_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o disadvantage_n which_o they_o undergo_v by_o they_o do_v apprehend_v they_o quite_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n unto_o we_o to_o find_v that_o when_o some_o be_v severe_o handle_v for_o those_o principle_n and_o way_n wherein_o they_o can_v and_o do_v commend_v their_o conscience_n unto_o god_n and_o thereby_o apprehend_v that_o their_o intention_n purpose_n principle_n and_o affection_n be_v injurious_o traduce_v and_o pervert_v they_o fall_v with_o a_o equal_a severity_n on_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v reprove_v though_o their_o reproof_n proceed_v from_o a_o equal_a sincerity_n unto_o what_o themselves_o profess_v and_o expect_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o especial_o be_v such_o mutual_a reflection_n grievous_a and_o irksome_a unto_o man_n when_o they_o apprehend_v that_o in_o they_o or_o by_o they_o profess_a friend_n do_v industrious_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o contempt_n and_o wrath_n of_o profess_a adversary_n chap._n iu._n want_v of_o love_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n just_o complain_v of_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o schism_n 1._o misapprehension_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n wherein_o it_o do_v true_o consist_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v mistake_v about_o both_o 2._o neglect_v in_o church_n to_o attend_v unto_o know_a gospel-duty_n of_o preach_v unto_o conversion_n and_o edification_n care_v of_o those_o that_o be_v real_o godly_a of_o discipline_n how_o neglect_v how_o corrupt_v principle_n seduce_v church_n and_o their_o ruler_n into_o miscarriage_n 1._o confidence_n of_o their_o place_n 2._o contempt_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o trust_v unto_o worldly_a grandeur_n other_o cause_n of_o division_n remainder_n of_o corruption_n from_o the_o general_n apostasy_n weakness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o readiness_n to_o take_v offence_n remedy_n hereof_o pride_n false_a teacher_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a decay_n of_o love_n a_o great_a want_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a nor_o less_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o command_v and_o enjoin_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n may_v they_o be_v obtain_v it_o will_v great_o further_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o answer_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o loss_n be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o one_o and_o no_o less_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o profession_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o other_o for_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n occasion_v chief_o by_o false_a notion_n of_o unity_n and_o undue_a mean_n
building_n and_o unsafe_a unto_o its_o self_n or_o like_o a_o dead_a mortify_v part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o neither_o receive_v any_o vital_a influence_n from_o the_o head_n nor_o administer_v nourishment_n unto_o any_o other_o part_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o the_o contest_v that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o church_n union_n and_o division_n with_o what_o be_v plead_v about_o their_o nature_n and_o cause_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o consideration_n have_v thereof_o yea_o those_o thing_n be_v principal_o insist_v on_o for_o the_o constitute_n of_o the_o one_o atd_v the_o according_a of_o the_o other_o which_o cast_v a_o neglect_n yea_o a_o contempt_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v the_o romanist_n who_o make_v the_o great_a outcry_n about_o church_n union_n and_o who_o make_v the_o great_a advantage_n by_o what_o they_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v but_o hereunto_o they_o contend_v express_o on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o it_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o unite_v unto_o he_o and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v spiritual_o and_o save_o unite_v unto_o christ._n other_o also_o place_v it_o in_o various_a instance_n of_o conformity_n unto_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o command_v of_o man_n which_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v they_o be_v wondrous_a cold_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o this_o relation_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o where_o any_o one_o be_v interest_v in_o this_o foundation_n of_o all_o gospel_n unity_n he_o may_v demand_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v unless_o in_o case_n of_o some_o present_a offence_n or_o scandal_n and_o those_o by_o who_o such_o person_n be_v reject_v from_o communion_n to_o be_v hold_v on_o gospel_n term_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o difference_n not_o entrench_v on_o this_o foundation_n do_v exercise_v a_o kind_n of_o church_n tyranny_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n which_o may_v ensue_v thereon_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o this_o be_v want_v man_n compliance_n with_o any_o other_o term_n or_o condition_n that_o may_v be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o obtain_n of_o church-communion_n thereon_o will_v be_v of_o little_a advantage_n unto_o their_o soul_n second_o unto_o this_o foundation_n of_o gospel_n unity_n among_o believer_n for_o and_o unto_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o there_o be_v require_v a_o unity_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a truth_n for_o as_o there_o be_v one_o lord_n so_o also_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n unto_o believer_n and_o this_o arise_v from_o and_o follow_v the_o other_o for_o those_o who_o be_v so_o unite_v unto_o christ_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v thereunto_o and_o however_o by_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n they_o may_v fall_v in_o it_o or_o from_o it_o for_o a_o season_n as_o do_v peter_n yet_o through_o the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o recover_v now_o unto_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o a_o precise_a and_o express_a professio_fw-la 1_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o we_o outward_o hold_v the_o head_n by_o a_o consent_n unto_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v of_o the_o number_n and_o nature_n of_o such_o fundamental_a truth_n who_o express_a acknowledgement_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n so_o much_o have_v be_v discourse_v by_o other_o as_o that_o we_o need_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v their_o own_o necessity_n all_o conduce_v to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n whereby_o we_o live_v unto_o god_n second_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o duty_n 5._o every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v 15_o do_v follow_v peace_n and_o love_n with_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v than_o he_o be_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n do_v never_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o precise_a conception_n of_o all_o reveal_v object_n neither_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o mean_n of_o revelation_n will_v allow_v such_o a_o unity_n to_o be_v moral_o possible_a and_o the_o figment_n of_o supply_v this_o variety_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v ridiculous_a for_o herein_o faith_n be_v consider_v as_o profess_v and_o no_o man_n can_v make_v profession_n of_o what_o he_o know_v not_o it_o be_v therefore_o condescension_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n whereby_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o the_o joint_a belief_n of_o necessary_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v with_o respect_n unto_o other_o thing_n about_o which_o difference_n may_v arise_v yet_o be_v not_o this_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o though_o christian_n especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o fundamental_o or_o confine_v their_o scripture_n inquiry_n unto_o they_o whatever_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n 12._o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v diligent_o into_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v 16._o yea_o to_o inquire_v with_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o advantage_n with_o fervent_a supplication_n for_o light_n and_o aid_n from_o above_o 17._o into_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o 11._o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o we_o in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v minister_n and_o instructor_n of_o other_o by_o who_o this_o be_v neglect_v who_o take_v up_o with_o a_o superficiary_a knowledge_n of_o general_a principle_n and_o those_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v a_o coincidence_n with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v but_o betray_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o over_o who_o they_o usurp_v a_o charge_n and_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o title_n and_o office_n which_o they_o bear_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n that_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o explain_v confirm_v and_o vindicate_v any_o truth_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v wherein_o other_o differ_v from_o we_o provide_v that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v do_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o love_n yea_o our_o so_o do_v be_v one_o principal_a mean_n of_o minister_a nourishment_n unto_o the_o body_n whereby_o the_o whole_a be_v increase_v as_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o this_o what_o contending_n fight_n destruction_n of_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n upon_o variety_n of_o judgement_n about_o sacred_a thing_n have_v be_v introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o carnal_a interest_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n three_o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o love_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o evangelical_n unity_n which_o we_o be_v in_o the_o description_n of_o for_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n that_o whereby_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v knit_v together_o among_o themselves_o and_o which_o render_v all_o the_o other_o ingredient_n of_o this_o unity_n useful_a unto_o they_o and_o as_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o love_n before_o so_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o it_o have_v a_o actual_a influence_n into_o gospel_n unity_n among_o christian_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o two_o head_n for_o first_o it_o work_v effectual_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v in_o the_o contribution_n of_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o light_n and_o help_v of_o obedience_n unto_o other_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o in_o who_o this_o love_n dwell_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n call_v and_o opportunity_n which_o make_v up_o his_o measure_n will_v communicate_v the_o spiritual_a supply_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n jesus_n unto_o other_o by_o instruction_n exhortation_n consolation_n and_o example_n unto_o their_o edification_n this_o he_o will_v do_v in_o love_n and_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o love_n namely_o to_o testify_v a_o joint_a relation_n unto_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o all_o and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o whole_a by_o supply_n of_o life_n
schismatic_a a_o divider_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o a_o enemy_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o it_o howbeit_o of_o conformity_n unto_o such_o institution_n and_o order_n of_o man_n of_o uniformity_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o external_a rite_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n speak_v nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n intimate_v in_o all_o the_o command_v for_o unity_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o nor_o in_o the_o direction_n that_o be_v sanctify_v unto_o the_o due_a preservation_n of_o it_o yet_o such_o a_o uniformity_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n and_o order_n mean_v suit_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o but_o real_o destructive_a of_o that_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v and_o who_o place_n it_o possess_v have_v not_o be_v want_v and_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a consideration_n how_o man_n endeavour_v to_o deceive_v other_o and_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o by_o manifold_a equivocation_n in_o their_o arguing_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o first_o they_o lay_v down_o the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n among_o christian_n with_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o breach_n division_n and_o schism_n which_o they_o prove_v from_o the_o command_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o other_o that_o abound_v in_o the_o scripture_n then_o with_o a_o easy_a deduction_n they_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n to_o observe_v keep_v further_o and_o promote_v this_o unity_n and_o to_o prevent_v oppose_v resist_v and_o avoid_v all_o division_n that_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o if_o so_o the_o magistrate_n must_v do_v the_o same_o in_o his_o place_n and_o capacity_n now_o see_v it_o be_v his_o office_n and_o unto_o he_o of_o god_n it_o be_v commit_v to_o exercise_v his_o power_n in_o law_n and_o penalty_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o the_o punish_n of_o what_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o coerce_v restrain_v and_o punish_v all_o those_o who_o oppose_v despise_v or_o any_o way_n break_v or_o disturb_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o ratiocination_n will_v seem_v reasonable_a be_v it_o not_o double_o defective_a for_o first_o the_o unity_n intend_v in_o the_o first_o proposition_n who_o necessity_n be_v confirm_v by_o scripture-testimony_n be_v utter_o lose_v before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o the_o outward_a uniformity_n mention_v be_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o hereby_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v they_o deceive_v to_o believe_v that_o external_a force_n and_o penalty_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v by_o any_o for_o the_o attain_n or_o preserve_v of_o gospel-vnity_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a indeed_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v suit_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o that_o external_a uniformity_n which_o be_v intend_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o promotion_n of_o gospel-vnion_n among_o believer_n be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n let_v such_o person_n keep_v themselves_o and_o their_o argument_n unto_o that_o union_n which_o the_o scripture_n commend_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n with_o the_o mean_v fit_v and_o appoint_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o they_o shall_v have_v our_o compliance_n with_o any_o conclusion_n that_o will_v thence_o ensue_v herein_o therefore_o lie_v the_o fundamental_a cause_n of_o our_o division_n which_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n leave_v believer_n or_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o their_o duty_n in_o seek_v after_o evangelical_n unity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o other_o mean_v institute_v and_o bless_v unto_o that_o end_n impose_v nothing_o on_o their_o conscience_n or_o practice_n under_o that_o name_n which_o indeed_o belong_v not_o thereunto_o and_o although_o upon_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n afterward_o to_o be_v mention_v there_o may_v for_o a_o season_n remain_v some_o division_n among_o they_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v a_o way_n of_o heal_v continual_o ready_a for_o they_o and_o agree_v upon_o by_o they_o as_o such_o where_o indeed_o man_n propose_v unto_o themselves_o different_a end_n though_o under_o the_o same_o name_n the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o they_o will_v but_o increase_v their_o variance_n as_o where_o some_o aim_n at_o evangelical_n union_n and_o other_o at_o a_o external_n uniformity_n both_o under_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o these_o end_n they_o will_v be_v more_o divide_v among_o themselves_o but_o where_o the_o same_o end_n be_v aim_v at_o even_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o will_v insensible_o bring_v the_o party_n at_o difference_n into_o a_o coalition_n and_o work_v out_o in_o the_o issue_n a_o complete_a reconciliation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v christian_n due_o instruct_v how_o many_o lesser_a difference_n in_o mind_n judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v real_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o the_o unity_n that_o christ_n require_v among_o they_o it_o will_v undoubted_o prevail_v with_o they_o so_o to_o manage_v themselves_o in_o their_o difference_n by_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n in_o love_n as_o not_o to_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o be_v disturber_n or_o breaker_n of_o it_o for_o suppose_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v invincible_o prepossess_v with_o the_o principle_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o yet_o all_o who_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n can_v but_o rejoice_v to_o be_v direct_v unto_o such_o a_o mannagery_n of_o they_o as_o to_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o dissolve_v the_o unity_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o to_o speak_v plain_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o different_a opinion_n or_o a_o difference_n in_o judgement_n about_o reveal_v truth_n nor_o a_o different_a practice_n in_o sacred_a administration_n but_o pride_n self-interest_n love_n of_o honour_n reputation_n and_o dominion_n with_o the_o influence_n of_o civil_a or_o political_a intrigue_n and_o consideration_n that_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o defect_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o they_o for_o set_v they_o aside_o and_o the_o real_a difference_n which_o will_v remain_v may_v be_v so_o manage_v in_o love_n gentleness_n and_o meekness_n as_o not_o to_o interfere_v with_o that_o unity_n which_o christ_n require_v they_o to_o preserve_v nothing_o will_v from_o thence_o follow_v which_o shall_v impeach_v their_o common_a interest_n in_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o spirit_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n according_a to_o their_o light_n and_o ability_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v cast_v away_o this_o evangelical_n union_n among_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o shall_v break_v up_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n fix_v unto_o it_o and_o set_v up_o in_o its_o place_n a_o compliance_n with_o or_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o command_v and_o appointment_n of_o man_n make_v their_o observation_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a concord_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o innumerable_a and_o endless_a division_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o union_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v have_v none_o in_o this_o world_n for_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n find_v out_o there_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v contention_n and_o division_n whilst_o there_o be_v any_o on_o the_o one_o side_n who_o will_v endeavour_v its_o imposition_n and_o on_o the_o other_o who_o desire_v to_o preserve_v their_o conscience_n entire_a unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o law_n and_o appointment_n there_o be_v none_o who_o can_v be_v such_o a_o stranger_n in_o our_o israel_n as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o of_o the_o division_n and_o contention_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o near_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o which_o at_o this_o day_n make_v our_o breach_n wide_a like_o the_o sea_n that_o they_o can_v be_v heal_v let_v therefore_o those_o who_o have_v power_n and_o ability_n be_v instrumental_a to_o restore_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o true_a notion_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o unity_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o church_n and_o disciple_n and_o let_v they_o be_v leave_v unto_o that_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o unity_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v
unto_o they_o and_o let_v we_o all_o labour_n to_o stir_v up_o those_o gracious_a principle_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n which_o ought_v to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n and_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o preserve_v gospel-unity_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a progress_n make_v towards_o peace_n reconciliation_n and_o concord_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n than_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o good_n or_o imprison_v of_o the_o person_n of_o dissenter_n will_v ever_o effect_v but_o it_o may_v be_v such_o thing_n be_v require_v here_o unto_o as_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o scarce_o able_a to_o comply_v withal_o for_o whilst_o man_n do_v hardly_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n and_o power_n accompany_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o that_o whole_a end_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o and_o intend_v whilst_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o that_o spiritual_a diligence_n patience_n meekness_n condescension_n self-denial_n renunciation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o conformity_n thereunto_o which_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a in_o church-guide_n and_o church-member_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n unto_o the_o attain_n and_o preservation_n of_o gopel-unity_n but_o do_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o disposal_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a union_n into_o a_o subordination_n unto_o their_o own_o secular_a interest_n by_o external_a force_n and_o power_n we_o have_v very_o small_a expectation_n of_o success_n in_o the_o way_n propose_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v herewith_o satisfy_v take_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o infect_v with_o idolatry_n or_o persecution_n and_o restore_v their_o unity_n unto_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o be_v find_v uncompliant_a therewithal_o we_o shall_v without_o repine_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o it_o and_o hasten_v a_o amendment_n another_o cause_n of_o the_o evil_a effect_n and_o consequent_n mention_v be_v the_o great_a neglect_n that_o have_v be_v in_o church_n and_o church-ruler_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o the_o open_a direct_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o this_o have_v be_v such_o and_o so_o evident_a in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a for_o any_o to_o deny_v it_o or_o to_o attempt_v a_o excuse_n of_o it_o and_o man_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o whilst_o they_o live_v in_o a_o open_a neglect_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n other_o will_v always_o according_a to_o their_o will_n or_o desire_n attend_v with_o diligence_n unto_o what_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o if_o church_n or_o their_o ruler_n will_v excuse_v or_o justify_v their_o member_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o through_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o mal-administrations_a it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v go_v along_o with_o they_o under_o their_o conduct_n whither-eve_a they_o shall_v lead_v they_o but_o if_o it_o can_v never_o be_v obliterated_a out_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o they_o must_v every_o one_o live_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o every_o one_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o every_o one_o notwithstanding_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o help_n of_o church_n and_o their_o ruler_n be_v oblige_v immediate_o in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o will_v judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o what_o be_v meet_v for_o they_o to_o do_v in_o case_n therefore_o that_o they_o find_v the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v relate_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o neglect_n mention_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o will_v provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o safety_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a but_o that_o difference_n and_o division_n will_v fall_v out_o which_o may_v all_o of_o they_o have_v be_v prevent_v have_v there_o be_v a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o work_n doctrine_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o care_n and_o administration_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o by_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v inevitable_o shut_v up_o under_o spiritual_a disadvantage_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o edification_n but_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a instance_n will_v render_v this_o cause_n of_o our_o division_n more_o evident_a and_o manifest_a the_o first_o end_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n act_v 26._o 17_o 18._o this_o we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v question_v nor_o deny_v that_o the_o work_n hereof_o in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v attend_v and_o pursue_v with_o zeal_n diligence_n labour_n and_o care_n all_o accompany_v with_o constant_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o success_n in_o and_o by_o the_o minister_n and_o ruler_n of_o they_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 2._o be_v a_o truth_n also_o that_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o controversy_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n herein_o principal_o do_v man_n in_o office_n in_o the_o church_n exercise_n and_o manifest_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o compassion_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o acquit_v themselves_o faithful_o in_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n christ_n jesus_n if_o now_o in_o any_o assembly_n or_o other_o society_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o claim_v the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o church_n towards_o all_o person_n live_v within_o the_o bound_n or_o limit_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v unto_o themselves_o this_o work_n be_v either_o total_o neglect_v or_o careless_o &_o perfunctory_o attend_v unto_o if_o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v immediate_o incumbent_a do_v either_o suppose_v themselves_o free_a from_o any_o obligation_n thereunto_o upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o engagement_n or_o do_v so_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o relation_n unto_o many_o charge_n or_o employment_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v due_o attend_v unto_o it_o or_o be_v unable_a and_o insufficient_a for_o it_o so_o that_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o in_o such_o church_n a_o due_a representation_n of_o the_o love_n care_n and_o kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v the_o administration_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o testify_v it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o great_a thought_n of_o heart_n and_o no_o small_a disorder_n of_o mind_n will_v be_v occasion_v in_o they_o who_o understand_v aright_o how_o much_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o constitute_v church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v neglect_v among_o they_o and_o although_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o a_o season_n patient_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o quiet_o seek_v the_o reformation_n of_o this_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v yet_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o exclude_v it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n its_o self_n it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o they_o that_o prevail_v therein_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o tend_v thereunto_o it_o will_v increase_v their_o disquietment_n and_o whereas_o man_n do_v not_o join_v themselves_o nor_o be_v by_o any_o other_o way_n join_v unto_o church_n for_o any_o civil_a or_o secular_a end_n or_o purpose_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o faith_n and_o gospel-obedience_n it_o be_v altogether_o vain_a for_o any_o to_o endeavour_v a_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o church_n wherein_o these_o end_n be_v not_o pursue_v nor_o attainable_a and_o yet_o a_o confidence_n hereof_o be_v that_o which_o have_v countenance_v sundry_a church-guide_n into_o that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n which_o many_o complain_v of_o and_o groan_v under_o at_o this_o day_n the_o second_o end_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o they_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v believe_v herein_o consist_v that_o feed_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o ministry_n
utter_o cease_v and_o become_v disuse_v hence_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n begin_v to_o converse_v together_o as_o man_n only_o or_o at_o the_o best_a civil_a neighbour_n and_o if_o at_o all_o as_o christian_n yet_o not_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o especial_a relation_n unto_o a_o particular_a church_n 20._o wherein_o their_o usefulness_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o organical_a body_n be_v require_v hence_o some_o person_n look_v on_o these_o thing_n as_o intolerable_a and_o not_o only_o obstructive_a of_o their_o edification_n but_o destructive_a unto_o all_o real_o useful_a church-communion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o have_v think_v meet_a to_o provide_v otherwise_o for_o themselves_o not_o that_o we_o approve_v of_o every_o departure_n or_o withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n where_o thing_n continue_v under_o such_o disorder_n but_o only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v that_o occasion_v many_o so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o there_o may_v sometime_o be_v just_a cause_n hereof_o and_o person_n in_o so_o do_v may_v manage_v what_o they_o do_v according_a unto_o scripture-rule_n so_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o some_o may_v rash_o and_o precipitately_a without_o due_a attendance_n unto_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o in_o such_o undertake_n be_v require_v of_o they_o without_o that_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o no_o circumstance_n can_v absolve_v they_o from_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o a_o unblamable_a separation_n and_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o general_a cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n find_v among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o will_v not_o much_o cleave_v unto_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v keep_v on_o foot_n and_o maintain_v be_v worth_a your_o enquiry_n for_o so_o do_v it_o befall_v our_o humane_a nature_n apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o impose_v on_o by_o various_a pretence_n and_o prejudices_fw-la that_o those_o be_v oftentimes_o high_o guilty_a themselves_o of_o those_o miscarriage_n who_o chief_a satisfaction_n and_o glory_n consist_v in_o charge_v they_o on_o other_o however_o if_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o absolute_o justify_v any_o in_o a_o secession_n from_o the_o church_n where_o unto_o they_o do_v relate_v yet_o they_o render_v the_o matter_n so_o high_o questionable_a and_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v so_o burdensome_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o as_o that_o division_n will_v thereon_o undoubted_o ensue_v and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o fall_v out_o to_o design_n and_o contrive_v the_o reduction_n of_o all_o unto_o outward_a unity_n and_o concord_n by_o force_v they_o who_o on_o such_o occasion_n have_v dissent_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n without_o endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o these_o occasion_n of_o their_o so_o do_v and_o the_o reformation_n of_o those_o abuse_n which_o have_v give_v cause_n thereunto_o be_v severe_a if_o not_o unjust_a but_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o care_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o they_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o remove_v these_o and_o the_o like_a stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n there_o will_v we_o hope_v be_v a_o full_a return_n unto_o gospel-unity_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o that_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o on_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n wherever_o it_o be_v find_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la and_o temptation_n of_o man_n do_v interpose_v themselves_o unto_o the_o increase_n and_o heighten_v of_o those_o division_n who_o spring_n and_o occasion_n lie_v elsewhere_o when_o none_o of_o these_o provocation_n be_v give_v they_o 11._o yet_o we_o know_v there_o be_v enough_o in_o professor_n themselves_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o difference_n and_o schism_n 3_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o fear_v the_o like_a fruit_n and_o effect_n from_o the_o like_a principle_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n now_o the_o occasion_n of_o draw_v they_o forth_o be_v more_o temptation_n unto_o they_o great_a direction_n against_o they_o less_o evident_a and_o powerful_a and_o all_o sense_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n through_o its_o abuse_n and_o maladministration_n be_v if_o not_o lose_v and_o ruin_v yet_o much_o weaken_v and_o impair_v but_o from_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o their_o unmortified_a affection_n as_o the_o best_a know_v but_o in_o part_n nor_o be_v they_o perfect_o sanctify_v it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n one_o at_o another_o and_o thereon_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o temerarious_o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o own_o understanding_n and_o persuasion_n thereon_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o worship_n unto_o other_o all_o such_o way_n and_o course_n be_v against_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o love_n and_o union_n all_o tend_v to_o make_v and_o increase_v division_n among_o we_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o they_o we_o may_v here_o declare_v but_o that_o it_o fall_v frequent_o under_o the_o chastisement_n of_o other_o hand_n neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o well_o meet_v with_o too_o much_o severity_n of_o reproof_n only_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o those_o by_o who_o such_o reproof_n be_v manage_v will_v take_v care_n not_o to_o give_v advantage_n of_o retortion_n or_o self-justification_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v by_o they_o but_o this_o they_o do_v avoidable_o whilst_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n the_o sole_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o they_o approve_v or_o disallow_v in_o what_o complye_v with_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o perverse_a and_o in_o what_o differ_v from_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o sincere_a and_o on_o this_o foundation_n whilst_o they_o reprove_v censure_v rash-judging_a and_o reproach_v of_o other_o with_o pride_n self-conceitedness_n false_a opinion_n irregular_a practice_n in_o church_n worship_n or_o any_o other_o concern_v of_o religion_n backbiting_a easiness_n in_o take_v up_o false_a report_n with_o the_o like_a evil_n as_o they_o deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v rebuke_v those_o reprove_v by_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o see_v the_o guilt_n of_o many_o of_o the_o crime_n charge_v on_o themselves_o in_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v reprove_v so_o on_o all_o hand_n thing_n gendor_n unto_o far_a strife_n whilst_o every_o party_n be_v conscious_a unto_o their_o own_o sincerity_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o present_a light_n which_o be_v the_o only_a measure_n they_o can_v take_v of_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o impeach_v the_o sincerity_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o causeless_o traduce_v and_o condemn_v this_o evil_a therefore_o be_v to_o be_v diligent_o watch_v against_o by_o all_o that_o love_n unity_n truth_n holiness_n or_o peace_n and_o see_v there_o be_v rule_n and_o precept_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unmeet_a to_o call_v over_o some_o of_o they_o one_o rule_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o import_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o study_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o do_v our_o own_o business_n 11._o in_o thing_n civil_a and_o sacred_a who_o will_v harm_v man_n who_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o busy_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o any_o attempt_n to_o do_v they_o evil_n what_o need_n have_v they_o to_o be_v trouble_v thereat_o duty_n and_o innocency_n will_v give_v peace_n to_o a_o worthy_a soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o storm_n and_o whatever_o may_v befall_v it_o now_o will_v any_o one_o deny_v or_o can_v they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o man_n to_o seek_v his_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o save_n of_o his_o soul_n deny_v this_o unto_o any_o man_n and_o you_o put_v yourself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o more_o miserable_a than_o a_o beast_n and_o this_o which_o no_o man_n can_v forbid_v no_o man_n can_v otherwise_o do_v than_o according_a to_o that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v if_o this_o therefore_o be_v so_o attend_v to_o as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thereby_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o concern_v of_o other_o nor_o disturb_v they_o in_o what_o be_v they_o but_o be_v carry_v on_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o with_o a_o evidence_n in_o what_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v mere_o our_o own_o personal_a duty_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o all_o cause_n of_o offence_n will_v be_v take_v away_o for_o if_o any_o will_v yet_o be_v offend_v
as_o yet_o open_o to_o oppose_v such_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o difference_n and_o division_n in_o and_o about_o religious_a concern_v that_o be_v among_o we_o by_o such_o mean_n have_v they_o be_v foment_v and_o increase_v heighten_v they_o have_v be_v by_o the_o personal_a fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o party_n and_o as_o the_o reproof_n of_o their_o sinful_a fail_n be_v in_o its_o proper_a season_n a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o no_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n of_o person_n will_v give_v a_o full_a relief_n nor_o free_v we_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o division_n until_o the_o principle_n and_o way_n which_o occasion_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n chap._n v._n ground_n and_o reason_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v brief_o declare_v our_o sense_n concern_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o that_o present_a want_n of_o christian_a love_n which_o be_v complain_v of_o by_o many_o we_o shall_v now_o return_v to_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a account_n concern_v our_o inconformity_n unto_o and_o noncompliance_n with_o the_o observance_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o do_v in_o sundry_a thing_n dissent_v from_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o that_o we_o can_v come_v up_o unto_o a_o joint_a practice_n with_o other_o in_o they_o it_o be_v also_o confess_v that_o hereon_o there_o do_v ensue_v a_o appearance_n of_o schism_n between_o they_o and_o we_o according_a as_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o because_o in_o this_o distance_n and_o difference_n the_o dissent_n unto_o compliance_n be_v on_o our_o part_n there_o be_v a_o semblance_n of_o a_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n of_o your_o communion_n and_o this_o we_o know_v expose_v we_o in_o vulgar_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n unto_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n and_o necessitate_v we_o unto_o self-defence_n as_o though_o the_o only_a matter_n in_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o evil_a or_o no._n for_o that_o advantage_n have_v all_o church_n which_o have_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o fix_v term_n of_o communion_n right_a or_o wrong_n just_a or_o unequal_a the_o difference_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o they_o will_v try_v out_o on_o no_o other_o term_n but_o only_o whether_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o they_o be_v schismatic_n or_o not_o thus_o they_o make_v themselves_o actor_n ofttimes_o in_o this_o cause_n who_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o injury_n and_o a_o trial_n be_v make_v mere_o at_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v causeless_o put_v upon_o their_o purgation_n and_o defence_n yea_o with_o many_o a_o kind_n of_o possession_n and_o multitude_n do_v render_v dissenter_n unquestionable_o schismatical_a so_o that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o unreasonable_a confidence_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v so_o deal_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reform_v a_o open_a schism_n there_o be_v between_o they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v sufficient_o fix_v the_o gild_n of_o it_o on_o the_o reform_a by_o confidence_n and_o clamour_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o prepossession_n yet_o as_o if_o they_o they_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a themselves_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o other_o enquiry_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o call_v the_o truth_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o other_o party_n into_o question_n it_o be_v our_o present_a condition_n to_o lie_v under_o this_o charge_n from_o many_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v we_o think_v guilty_a thereof_o we_o do_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o culpable_a secession_n make_v by_o we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n in_o these_o nation_n or_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o appear_a schism_n that_o be_v among_o we_o can_v due_o or_o just_o be_v reflect_v on_o we_o which_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o discourse_n we_o shall_v make_v to_o appear_v what_o be_v our_o thought_n and_o judgement_n concern_v the_o church-state_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o nation_n we_o have_v before_o declare_v and_o we_o hope_v they_o be_v such_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o person_n sober_a and_o impartial_a we_o shall_v be_v relieve_v from_o those_o clamorous_a accusation_n which_o be_v without_o number_n or_o measure_n by_o some_o cast_n upon_o we_o our_o prayer_n be_v also_o continual_o unto_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n and_o their_o cause_n from_o among_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o satisfaction_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o sincerity_n herein_o in_o the_o least_o take_v off_o or_o rend_v from_o we_o by_o the_o uncharitable_a endeavour_n of_o some_o to_o rake_v up_o pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o shall_v those_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v think_v meet_v to_o imitate_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a and_o to_o follow_v they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o use_v for_o the_o restauration_n of_o unity_n and_o agreement_n unto_o christian_n when_o lose_v or_o endanger_v we_o shall_v not_o decline_v the_o contribution_n of_o any_o assistance_n by_o counsel_n or_o fraternal_a compliance_n which_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o supply_v we_o withal_o but_o whilst_o some_o who_o advantage_n render_v they_o considerable_a in_o these_o matter_n seem_v to_o entertain_v no_o other_o thought_n concern_v we_o but_o what_o issue_n in_o violence_n and_o oppression_n the_o principal_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o be_v quiet_o to_o approve_v our_o conscience_n unto_o god_n that_o in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n we_o desire_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o and_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n principle_n and_o practice_n to_o his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o make_v it_o know_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o for_o man_n we_o hope_v so_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o as_o that_o none_o may_v just_o charge_v we_o with_o any_o disorder_n vnpeaceableness_n or_o other_o evil_n for_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o we_o be_v either_o the_o cause_n or_o culpable_a occasion_n of_o those_o inconvenience_n and_o trouble_n which_o some_o have_v put_v themselves_o unto_o by_o their_o endeavour_n for_o our_o disturbance_n impoverish_v and_o ruin_n let_v none_o imagine_v but_o that_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o evil_n and_o evil_a consequent_n of_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o those_o who_o do_v so_o do_v it_o upon_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o charity_n we_o know_v how_o much_o the_o great_a work_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v impede_v thereby_o as_o also_o what_o prejudice_n arise_v thence_o against_o the_o truth_n wherein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v with_o what_o temptation_n and_o mutual_a exasperation_n to_o the_o loss_n of_o love_n and_o the_o occasion_v of_o many_o sinful_a miscarriage_n in_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n do_v hereon_o ensue_v but_o we_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o remove_v they_o or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n nor_o be_v we_o conscious_a unto_o ourselves_o of_o any_o sin_n or_o evil_n in_o what_o we_o do_v or_o in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o do_v by_o our_o not_o do_v of_o it_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v duty_n alone_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n whereunto_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o attend_v and_o wherein_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o where_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o circumstance_v as_o that_o duty_n will_v contribute_v nothing_o towards_o unity_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o any_o progress_n towards_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v object_v unto_o we_o as_o have_v be_v observe_v be_v our_o nonconformity_n or_o our_o forbearance_n of_o actual_a personal_a communion_n with_o the_o present_a church-constitution_n in_o the_o modes_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o its_o worship_n hence_o the_o schism_n complain_v of_o do_v ensue_v unless_o this_o communion_n be_v total_a constant_a without_o endeavour_n of_o any_o alteration_n or_o reformation_n we_o can_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n hereof_o this_o we_o deny_v and_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v elsewhere_o for_o first_o all_z the_o condition_n of_o absolute_a and_o complete_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o and_o indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o especial_o as_o we_o be_v minister_n be_v vnscriptural_a such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v neither_o warrant_n mention_n nor_o intimate_v especial_o not_o under_o any_o such_o consideration_n
can_v be_v but_o that_o division_n and_o schism_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a for_o a_o indifferent_a by-stander_n to_o judge_v on_o whether_o side_n the_o occasion_n and_o guilt_n of_o they_o do_v remain_v second_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o the_o direction_n and_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o we_o for_o our_o guide_n in_o this_o case_n and_o it_o may_v be_v well_o and_o safe_o think_v that_o this_o shall_v give_v a_o certain_a rule_n unto_o the_o proceed_n and_o act_n of_o all_o church-guide_n in_o future_a age_n now_o they_o do_v never_o make_v any_o thing_n unscriptural_a or_o what_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v by_o divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o religious_a worship_n &_o church_n order_n among_o christian_n for_o as_o they_o testify_v of_o themselves_o 4._o that_o they_o will_v continual_o give_v themselves_o unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n so_o it_o be_v of_o old_a observe_v concern_v they_o that_o their_o constant_a labour_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n 5._o and_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n but_o as_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o festival_n or_o fast_n of_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o intermedle_v with_o no_o such_o thing_n and_o thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n and_o admission_n of_o observance_n about_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o endless_a variety_n in_o they_o both_z as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o observe_v and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o observation_n and_o this_o be_v gradual_o increase_v unto_o such_o a_o height_n and_o excess_n as_o that_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o become_v intolerable_a unto_o christendom_n nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o better_a success_n be_v expect_v in_o a_o relinquishment_n and_o departure_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o church_n order_n give_v we_o in_o their_o example_n and_o practice_n neither_o be_v the_o plea_n from_o hence_o build_v mere_o on_o this_o consideration_n that_o no_o man_n alive_a either_o from_o their_o write_n or_o the_o approve_a record_n of_o those_o time_n can_v manifest_v that_o they_o ever_o prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o impose_v on_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o any_o uninstituted_a rit●_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o measure_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o communion_n but_o also_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o case_n under_o debate_n be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o joint_o determine_v by_o they_o for_o be_v call_v unto_o advice_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v and_o professor_n wherein_o the_o former_a labour_v to_o impose_v on_o the_o latter_a the_o observation_n of_o moses_n institution_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o joint_a communion_n as_o be_v mention_v even_o now_o they_o not_o only_o determine_v against_o any_o such_o imposition_n but_o also_o express_o declare_v that_o nothing_o but_o necessary_a thing_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v so_o from_o other_o reason_n antecedent_o unto_o their_o prescription_n and_o appointment_n ought_v to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o communion_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o and_o as_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v on_o that_o great_a occasion_n in_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n appoint_v any_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o command_v so_o in_o their_o direction_n give_v unto_o the_o gentile_a believer_n for_o a_o temporary_a abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n whereunto_o it_o do_v extend_v they_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o avoidance_n of_o a_o present_a scandal_n which_o may_v have_v great_o retard_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o direction_n and_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o many_o thing_n for_o a_o season_n forgo_v the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n this_o be_v their_o way_n and_o practise_v this_o the_o example_n which_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o that_o shall_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n whence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o after-age_n that_o man_n shall_v think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o they_o or_o more_o careful_a to_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n we_o know_v not_o but_o let_v the_o bound_n and_o measure_n of_o church_n communion_n fix_v in_o and_o by_o their_o example_n stand_v unmoved_a and_o many_o cause_n of_o our_o present_a division_n will_v be_v take_v away_o but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v offer_v that_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n require_v some_o alteration_n in_o or_o variation_n from_o the_o precise_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o of_o they_o require_v be_v then_o sufficient_a unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o primitive_a simplicity_n be_v now_o decay_a among_o the_o most_o so_o that_o a_o multiplication_n of_o rule_n and_o observance_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o same_o end_n but_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o church_n rule_n and_o communion_n to_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o christian_n or_o church_n or_o their_o secular_a engagement_n be_v no_o way_n advantageous_a unto_o religion_n let_v they_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v professor_n and_o profession_n to_o the_o primitive_a standard_n of_o light_n humility_n and_o holiness_n and_o they_o may_v be_v order_v in_o all_o church_n concern_v according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a pattern_n wherefore_o when_o christian_n unto_o the_o former_a plea_n of_o their_o readiness_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o do_v also_o add_v their_o willingness_n to_o comply_v with_o whatever_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n have_v either_o by_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o their_o own_o practice_n commend_v unto_o they_o or_o do_v do_v or_o require_v in_o the_o first_o church_n and_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o fail_v to_o make_v good_a their_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o know_v whence_o any_o can_v derive_v a_o warranty_n enable_v they_o to_o impose_v any_o other_o condition_n of_o communion_n on_o they_o the_o institution_n therefore_o of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n lie_v direct_o against_o the_o impose_v of_o the_o condition_n inquire_v about_o and_o first_o to_o invent_v they_o then_o to_o impose_v they_o make_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o then_o to_o judge_n and_o censure_v they_o as_o schismatic_n as_o enemy_n to_o love_n and_o peace_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v unto_o they_o look_v not_o unlike_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o unwarrantable_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n three_o not_o only_o by_o their_o example_n and_o practice_n but_o they_o have_v also_o doctrinal_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n and_o what_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o apostle_n paul_n discourse_v at_o large_a hereon_o rom._n 14._o 15._o chap._n the_o attentive_a read_n of_o those_o two_o chapter_n be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v this_o cause_n among_o all_o unintere_v and_o unprejudiced_a person_n he_o suppose_v in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o case_n which_o he_o exemplify_v in_o sundry_a instance_n that_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o church_n at_o that_o time_n different_a apprehension_n and_o observance_n about_o some_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o have_v some_o seem_a countenance_n of_o a_o sacred_a and_o divine_a authority_n for_o such_o be_v their_o original_a institution_n some_o in_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o their_o conscience_n have_v be_v long_o exercise_v in_o a_o holy_a subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o yet_o any_o express_a and_o positive_a law_n erect_v for_o their_o abrogation_n but_o the_o cease_n of_o any_o obligation_n unto_o their_o observance_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n oeconomy_n towards_o his_o church_n many_o therefore_o continue_v to_o observe_v they_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v other_o be_v persuade_v and_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o any_o obligation_n
unto_o may_v any_o make_v a_o judgement_n but_o themselves_o who_o impose_v they_o when_o the_o number_n of_o such_o thing_n grow_v to_o a_o unblamable_a excess_n if_o other_o may_v judge_v at_o least_o for_o themselves_o &_o their_o own_o practice_n and_o so_o of_o what_o be_v lawful_a or_o not_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v desire_v if_o themselves_o be_v the_o the_o only_a judge_n the_o case_n seem_v very_o hard_a and_o our_o secession_n from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n scarce_o warrantable_a and_o who_o see_v not_o what_o endless_a contest_v and_o difference_n will_v ensue_v on_o these_o supposition_n if_o the_o whole_a liberty_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o all_o apprehension_n of_o duty_n in_o professor_n be_v not_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheistical_a indifferency_n as_o to_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o outward_a worship_n the_o whole_a of_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v on_o this_o head_n may_v be_v confirm_v with_o the_o testimony_n of_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o secession_n from_o that_o of_o rome_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o here_o produce_v they_o in_o particular_a the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v plead_v by_o they_o be_v that_o the_o be_v of_o the_o catholic_n church_n lie_v in_o essential_o that_o for_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o disagree_v from_o all_o other_o particular_a church_n in_o some_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n so_o as_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o still_o whatever_o church_n make_v such_o extrinsical_a thing_n the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o yield_v not_o to_o they_o be_v schismatical_a in_o its_o so_o do_v and_o the_o separation_n from_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v schism_n that_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o that_o church_n on_o those_o term_n only_o return_v they_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o the_o society_n impose_v such_o condition_n of_o communion_n shall_v be_v judge_n whether_o those_o condition_n be_v just_a and_o equitable_a or_o no._n to_o this_o purpose_n do_v they_o general_o plead_v our_o common_a cause_n wherefore_o from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v we_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o affirm_v that_o where_o unscriptural_a condition_n of_o communion_n indispensible_o to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o observe_v be_v by_o any_o church_n impose_v on_o those_o who_o they_o expect_v or_o require_v to_o join_v in_o their_o fellowship_n communion_n and_o order_n if_o they_o on_o who_o they_o be_v so_o impose_v do_v thereon_o withhold_v or_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o that_o church_n especial_o in_o the_o act_n duty_n and_o part_n of_o worship_n wherein_o a_o submission_n unto_o these_o condition_n be_v exdress_v either_o verbal_o or_o virtual_o they_o be_v not_o thereon_o to_o be_v esteem_v guilty_a of_o schism_n but_o the_o whole_a fault_n of_o the_o division_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o who_o insist_v on_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o imposition_n that_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o thing_n with_o we_o at_o present_a especial_o such_o as_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v know_v in_o its_o self_n so_o it_o may_v be_v evidence_v unto_o all_o by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o the_o particular_n that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o if_o we_o will_v be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n thereof_o for_o 1._o it_o be_v indispensible_o enjoin_v that_o we_o give_v a_o solemn_a attestation_n unto_o the_o liturgy_n and_o all_o contain_v in_o it_o by_o the_o subscription_n or_o declaration_n of_o our_o assent_n and_o consent_v thereunto_o which_o must_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o be_v before_o observe_v we_o dispute_v not_o now_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o of_o that_o in_o particular_a which_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v it_o only_o propose_v or_o recommend_v unto_o minister_n for_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n according_a as_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v needful_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o people_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a alteration_n in_o the_o case_n under_o consideration_n and_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o such_o a_o liberty_n will_v produce_v great_a diversity_n yea_o and_o confusion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o can_v only_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o so_o of_o old_a when_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o ability_n in_o all_o sacred_a administration_n but_o it_o be_v the_o make_n of_o a_o assent_n and_o consent_v unto_o it_o with_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o or_o attendance_n unto_o it_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o at_o present_a be_v call_v into_o question_n it_o will_v not_o we_o suppose_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v so_o make_v unto_o we_o all_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n and_o that_o by_o such_o law_n both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a as_o be_v sufficient_o severe_a in_o their_o penalty_n for_o we_o have_v rule_n and_o measure_n of_o church-communion_n assign_v unto_o we_o by_o law_n mere_o civil_a be_v there_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n of_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v so_o we_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o in_o this_o instance_n but_o thing_n be_v evident_o and_o open_o with_o we_o as_o here_o lay_v down_o now_o this_o condition_n of_o communion_n be_v unscriptural_a and_o the_o make_n of_o it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o condition_n be_v without_o warranty_n or_o countenance_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a church_n that_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o liturgy_n or_o prescribe_v form_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o church-ordinance_n to_o be_v impose_v on_o the_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o assembly_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o intimation_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n no_o direction_n about_o it_o no_o command_n for_o it_o will_n we_o suppose_v be_v acknowledge_v 1._o command_v indeed_o we_o be_v to_o make_v prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o our_o assembly_n to_o instruct_v 28._o lead_v guide_n and_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n to_o administer_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n institute_v by_o he_o 2._o and_o to_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o apostle_n also_o describe_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o their_o own_o attendance_n unto_o it_o affirm_v that_o they_o will_v give_v themselves_o continual_o unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n 4._o but_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n only_o except_v in_o and_o by_o the_o use_n or_o read_n of_o a_o liturgy_n and_o the_o prescribe_a form_n of_o it_o without_o variation_n or_o recede_v from_o the_o word_n and_o syllable_n of_o it_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v utter_o silent_a of_o if_o any_o one_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o he_o to_o produce_v instance_n unto_o his_o purpose_n but_o withal_o he_o must_v remember_v that_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v require_v not_o only_o to_o produce_v a_o warranty_n from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o such_o form_n or_o liturgy_n but_o also_o that_o rule_n be_v give_v therein_o enable_v church_n to_o make_v the_o constant_a attendance_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v nothing_o be_v offer_v unto_o the_o case_n as_o at_o present_a state_v and_o whatever_o confidence_n may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o herein_o we_o know_v that_o nothing_o unto_o this_o purpose_n can_v be_v thence_o produce_v it_o be_v plead_v indeed_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o compose_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o prescribe_v it_o unto_o his_o disciple_n but_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v that_o he_o enjoin_v they_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o in_o their_o assembly_n nor_o that_o they_o do_v so_o use_v it_o nor_o that_o the_o repetition_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o they_o though_o the_o own_n of_o it_o as_o by_o he_o propose_v and_o for_o the_o end_n by_o he_o design_v may_v just_o be_v make_v so_o lest_o of_o all_o be_v it_o or_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o any_o rule_n or_o just_a encouragement_n